Two games against the Columbus Blue Jackets resulted in two wins for the Boston Bruins.
After defeating Columbus in Boston on Saturday, the Bruins headed west and bested the Blue Jackets, 3-2, in overtime at Nationwide Arena on Monday.
Boston improved to 44-20-5 with the win while Columbus dropped to 32-32-6.
You can view the full box score here.
ONE BIG TAKEAWAY
The Bruins struggle to close out, and that much was evident at the end of the second period, when they allowed a tying goal with 15 seconds remaining in the frame. According to ESPN’s Megan Kelly, the Bruins have allowed 16 goals in the final minute of a period (not counting overtime goals) — tied for first in the NHL (coincidentally with the Blue Jackets).
And while that’s an alarming trend, it certainly should not have come to this on Monday in Columbus.
The Bruins have been on fire when it comes to the power play — which was an encouraging departure from stretches earlier in the season when it seemed they couldn’t get out of their own way on a man-advantage. But on Monday, they failed to capitalize on an incredible five power-play opportunities.
In a penalty-filled game — the Blue Jackets accrued 26 penalty minutes to Boston’s 18 — capitalizing on special teams could have made the difference early. Yet just like when these two teams met Saturday, it came down to the final minutes.
STARS OF THE GAME
— Jake DeBrusk had quite the night, bookending the scoring with the opening goal and the overtime winner. In doing so, the winger extended his scoring streak to five games.
— Charlie McAvoy was credited with assists on both Bruins goals in regulation (scored by DeBrusk and Craig Smith), logging his 40th and 41st helpers of the season.
— Blue Jackets netminder Elvis Merzlikins had another impressive night, logging 34 saves against Boston two days after making 37.
WAGER WATCH
The Bruins were favored -235 at DraftKings Sportsbook, so it would have taken a $235 bet on Boston just to return $100.
Those who bet on DeBrusk to extend his scoring streak to five games were rewarded. The Bruins forward was +190 as an anytime scorer, meaning a $100 wager would profit $190.
UP NEXT ON NESN
The Bruins don’t have long to rest after this one, as they are back in action Tuesday on the road against the Detroit Red Wings. Pregame coverage begins at 6:30 p.m. ET live on NESN ahead of a scheduled 7:30 p.m. puck drop.
